Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Thursday with Fernandes Sanjar, chief of General Staff of Angolan Armed Forces, hailing the closer military ties between the two countries.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said China and Angola have enjoyed traditional friendship and bilateral relations have entered a new period with cooperation in various fields enhanced.

China appreciated Angola's consistent adherence to its one-China policy and its support for such issues as human rights, Cao said.

Cao said the armies of China and Angola have been in good relations and will see more development in the future. "The Chinese army values relations with Angolan armed forces and will further military ties with Angola in various fields."

Sajar thanked China for its support and assistance, saying the two countries and armies are expected to enhance cooperation and lift bilateral friendly cooperation to a new level.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2005)